Two Mayo athletes selected on Irish team for European Under 18 Championships

Athletics Ireland have selected an exciting team for the upcoming European Athletics Under 18 Championships, which take place in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, from July 18 to 21.

The team features two Mayo athletes, Clodagh Gill (3000m) and Seamus Clarke (5000m RW), both of whom have worn the Irish singlet previously. Clodagh and Seamus are both members of Moy Valley AC, Ballina.

The European Athletics Under 18 Championships were created to promote higher-level competition among the most talented members of this age group in Europe and provide a stepping stone to the Under 20 age group.

Ireland has enjoyed medal success at previous editions of the championships, most recently with Fintan Dewhirst taking silver in the 400m hurdles back in 2022. Other medallists have included Gina Akpe Moses (100m silver, 2016), Molly Scott (100mh bronze, 2016), Rhasidat Adeleke (200m gold, 2018), Sophie O’Sullivan (800m silver, 2018), and Sarah Healy (1500m gold and 800m gold, 2018).

Announcing this year's team, Athletics Ireland said Clodagh has impressed this season and will be looking to chase down a top 10 in the 3000m, and noted the country has arguably never sent a stronger walks selection to a European Championships, with Seamus and team-mate Matthew Newell (Tuam AC) both ranked inside the top six in the 5k race walk.